Family-Centered Decision Making: A Culturally Responsive Collaborative Approach Among Asians Living in the United States

Objective: Compared to Western cultures, self-determination needs are expressed and pursued differently in Asian cultures, where interdependence and achieving greater good for the group are prioritized. To accommodate these needs, we propose the use of family-centered decision making (FCDM) to complement the shared decision-making (SDM) practice, fostering collaborative psychiatric care for Asian individuals residing in the United States. Method: This article synthesizes various literature to outline the similarities and differences between SDM and FCDM, discuss implementation steps, challenges associated with implementation, potential solutions, and future research considerations. Results: Our review suggests that FCDM is more responsive to and inclusive of Asian cultural experience, better reflecting these cultures' expression of self-determination. We propose a five-step framework for FCDM implementation in psychiatric rehabilitation for Asian and Asian American individuals, while identifying three further practical considerations: logistical difficulties, intrafamilial differences, and making the decision to use FCDM or not. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Given the heterogeneity of Asian individuals in the United States, we urge providers to allow flexibility in practicing FCDM. We outline the important components for providers to help individuals with psychiatric disabilities distinguish between the characteristics of FCDM and SDM, evaluate the potential pros and cons of utilizing FCDM, and then initiate FCDM if appropriate or requested by the individuals.